In short: translation turns written text from one language into another. Transcription turns spoken audio or video into written text, usually in the same language. Translation changes the language; transcription changes the format.
People often ask for one of these services when they need the other, because the names sound alike. Both are language services, but they work on different material and deliver different results. This guide explains what each one is, how they differ, where they overlap and how to choose the right service for your project.
What Is Translation?
Translation is the process of converting written content from a source language into a target language while keeping the meaning, tone and intent of the original. A good translator does more than swap words. They account for grammar, context, terminology and cultural expectations so the text reads naturally to its new audience.
The starting point is written text and the result is written text. Common examples include:
- Contracts, agreements and other legal documents
- Certificates and personal records used for visas, immigration and admissions (see document translation)
- Medical reports, clinical documents and pharma labelling
- Manuals, specifications and other technical documents
- Websites, apps and marketing material, often called website localization
Each type of content calls for different subject knowledge, which is why a specialist translator usually does better work than a generalist. You can read more about our translation services.
What Is Transcription?
Transcription is the process of converting spoken language, from audio or video, into written text. A transcriber listens to a recording and writes out what is said. In most cases the language stays the same, so an English interview becomes an English transcript.
Typical sources include interviews and focus groups, meetings, webinars and conference calls, lectures and podcasts, court hearings and depositions, and recorded consultations. Our transcription services cover these and more.
Common transcription styles
- Verbatim: captures every word, including filler words, false starts and repetitions. It is used where exact wording matters, such as legal and research work.
- Clean verbatim: removes fillers and repetition so the text is easier to read while keeping the meaning. It suits business, media and general use.
- Timestamped and speaker-labelled: adds time markers and speaker names, which helps with editing video and following meetings or interviews with several people.
Translation vs Transcription: Key Differences
| Translation | Transcription | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting material | Written text | Spoken audio or video |
| Output | Written text in another language | Written text, usually in the same language |
| Does the language change? | Yes | Usually no |
| Main skill | Command of two languages and subject knowledge | Accurate listening, typing and formatting |
| Typical use | Documents, websites, contracts, manuals | Interviews, meetings, lectures, hearings |
| Quality depends on | Source clarity, terminology and context | Audio quality, accents and number of speakers |
| Commonly priced by | Word count or page | Audio minute or hour |
Where Translation and Transcription Overlap
Many projects need both. Imagine a company that records a training video in English and wants it available in German. The audio is transcribed first, then the transcript is translated. The translated text can be used as subtitles or as a script for voiceover and dubbing.
Foreign-language transcription is another overlap. A transcriber who understands Spanish can produce a Spanish transcript, which is then translated into English. Subtitling combines transcription, translation and timing, so translated text appears on screen in step with the speaker.
A third service is often confused with both: interpretation. Translation works on text, transcription turns speech into text, and interpretation turns speech into speech in another language, usually live.
Which Service Do You Need?
What Affects Cost and Turnaround
Both services depend on the volume and difficulty of the material, but the factors differ.
Translation
- Word count and the number of pages
- Language pair, since less common pairs can take longer
- Subject complexity, such as legal, medical or technical content
- Certification or legalisation requirements
- File format, for example scanned pages, tables or designed layouts
Transcription
- Length of the audio or video
- Sound quality and background noise
- Number of speakers and overlapping speech
- Accents, dialects and technical vocabulary
- Style (verbatim or clean) and extras such as timestamps
In both cases, the deadline matters too. Tell us early if the work is urgent so the schedule can be planned around it.
Tips for Better Results
For translation
- Send the complete document, along with a note on where and by whom it will be used.
- Share editable files where possible, instead of scans or photos.
- Provide glossaries, brand names and preferred terms in advance.
- Confirm any certification or legalisation rule with the receiving authority before you order.
For transcription
- Record in a quiet space with a good microphone, and keep speakers close to it.
- Share speaker names and a list of unusual terms or spellings.
- Tell the transcriber which style you need, and whether you want timestamps.
- Send the best-quality audio or video file you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Translation changes the language of written text, and transcription changes spoken words into written text. If your project involves recordings in more than one language, you will usually need both, sometimes with subtitling, voiceover or interpretation on top. Knowing which service you need makes it easier to get an accurate quote and a faster result.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us your file or a short description of your project, and we will tell you what you need and send a free quote, usually within 60 minutes.
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